Kleiton Lima, the former coach of the Brazilian women's national football team, has resigned from his position as coach of Santos FC after facing protests from players over harassment allegations. Santos FC stated in a press release: "To protect his family, his integrity, and Santos FC, Kleiton Lima submitted his resignation," which was accepted. The statement added that Lima has been a "target of criticism and even death threats" since his reappointment.
Photos were captured of Atlético Mineiro and América Mineiro players covering their mouths before their match in the Brazilian women's championship. The photos particularly featured Atlético Mineiro defender Laiza, who wore shirt number 19 and turned her back, while a player from América Mineiro raised a club shirt with the same number.
Earlier this week, two other players displayed the number 19 on their shirts during a match between Palmeiras and Avaí Kindermann. The number 19 symbolizes the anonymous messages sent by players to Santos FC's board of directors last September, accusing coach Lima (49 years old) of "moral and sexual harassment," especially during training sessions or club-related activities.
Lima, who denied these accusations, initially resigned after local media highlighted the allegations. However, in the absence of evidence according to the Brazilian club, he returned to Santos at the beginning of this April. Lima coached the Santos women's team three times (1999-2010, 2022-2023, and this year), leading them to local titles in 2007 and 2009. He has also coached the Brazilian women's national team, winning the "Copa América" in 2010.
